Tensions have been rising between forces backing democratic
institutions in Hong Kong and China's Communist Party leaders as
the city proceeds with political reforms that could lead to an
unprecedented direct election for its next leader in 2017.

"Hong Kong has changed," one protester shouted into a
loudhailer. "The air of freedom is becoming a lot thinner."

Hong Kong, a former British colony that returned to Chinese
rule in 1997, is a freewheeling capitalist hub which enjoys a
high degree of autonomy and freedom, but Beijing's Communist
Party leaders have resisted public pressure for full democracy.

Beijing has agreed in principle for the city to hold direct
elections in 2017, but no specific rules have yet been set on
whether open nominations for candidates will be allowed.

The media's concerns reflect in part what some see as
Beijing's attempts to tighten control over Hong Kong amid its
fears a pro-democracy candidate may win the 2017 election.

A local government spokesman said the city's leader, Leung
Chun-ying local, "attached great importance to Hong Kong's
freedom of the press and freedom of speech". But democracy
activists denounce him as a loyalist to Beijing's Communist
leadership.

Activists cite as examples of erosion of press freedom the
dismissal of a popular radio talkshow host opposed to the local
government. Staff at the Ming Pao newspaper, known for
independent reporting critical of China, have criticised the
appointment of an editor with suspected pro-Beijing leanings.

"I have been in this industry for 30 years. I would say this
is the worst time," said Shirley Yam, vice-chairman of the Hong
Kong Journalists Association and organiser of the protest.

She said press freedom "has been significantly compromised.
Interviews were barred, photos were edited, columnists were
sacked for all kinds of reasons".

While Hong Kong's media outlets remain a beacon of freedom
compared to those in mainland China, subject to heavy censorship
and control from Communist Party leaders, the media have taken a
softer line on reporting on China since 1997.
(Additional reporting by Joyce Woo; Editing by Ron Popeski)